These are the incredible women turning gender stereotypes on their heads and helping build Australia’s newest city – just a stone’s throw from Penrith.
Inspirational women are working across all areas of delivery at Bradfield City Centre, including project management, contracts administration, building design and construction, and site security.
WPCA Chair, Jennifer Westacott, said the women involved bring expertise, talent, and passion to their roles.
“The women helping to shape Bradfield City Centre are realising the once-in-a-generation opportunities this city presents,” Westacott said.
Bradfield City Centre will generate new opportunities for women to work in advanced industries like aerospace and defence, advanced manufacturing, medtech, and circular economy.
“Economic empowerment for women is key. When women are given parallel chances to earn, learn and lead – whole populations succeed,” Westacott said.
“This vibrant, 24/7 global city will unlock new economic opportunities, create 10,000 more homes, and support 20,000 new jobs for the people of western Sydney.”
Never boring at Bradfield construction site
As First Building Project Manager at Bradfield City Centre, Jodie Vo’s day is never boring.
“Every day there is something new that brings a real sense of achievement,” she said.
A self-confessed ‘life-long westie’, she enjoys managing the progress on site and seeing the First Building rise from the ground.
“Watching CGI renders, concepts and plans become a reality gives a real sense of achievement and satisfaction,” she said.
“I’ve always had a passion for the empowerment of Greater Western Sydney as a region and its residents. My work at the WPCA and on the First Building is a great opportunity to step into an interesting industry.”
Bringing experience to Bradfield build
With a background in civil engineering and 12 years in the construction industry, Azin Danesh joined Taylor in 2022 and is working on the First Building at Bradfield City Centre.
“Being a part of the team constructing the First Building at Bradfield is an exciting achievement which will never be forgotten,” she said.
“I am proud my work will be seen for many years to come.”
She is motivated by being a part of construction works that understands and values women’s abilities and provides equitable workspaces for all.
“Working as part of Taylor Construction Group, I’ve always been provided with support and opportunities to expand my skills and capabilities in the industry,” she said.
Women helping change stereotypes
As a Construction Cadet working on the First Building at Bradfield City Centre, Amanda Bruhn loves experiencing every facet of construction from the builder’s perspective.
“Since starting in the industry at 18, I’ve been a part of many incredible projects like this, working with some inspiring people,” she said.
“Women have a lot to offer.”
“Being a part of the construction team brings the opportunity to encourage other women to join construction. Inspiration starts by encouraging younger generations.”
She believes ‘investing in women’ helps accelerate progress at Bradfield City Centre.
“A new city, new generation, new thinking and new opportunities brings new perspectives and project experiences,” she said.
“Bringing fresh perspectives and experiences to the project has helped accelerate progress in various ways at Bradfield.”
New recruit proud of support offered
Recently joining the NSW Public Works team as a Student Project Manager working on the First Building project at Bradfield City Centre, Yerin Lee is excited to see how her work contributes to the progress of the city.
She is in her third and final year studying a Bachelor of Project Management with a major in construction at the University of Sydney, and although she has not worked on the project long, she says it is a safe, inviting space for women.
“I love that everyone is willing to help and teach you about anything you don’t understand. Everyone knows I am new and still a student. They always check up on me and my mentor always reassures me it’s OK to not know everything and I will learn,” she said.
“It’s a supportive environment and I feel blessed I have been given this opportunity to learn in this ground-breaking city.”
A passion for construction
Cadet Project Officer Marybeth Abraham lives and breathes construction, juggling her role at NSW Public Works working on First Building at Bradfield City Centre while studying architecture at University of Technology, Sydney.
An ‘up and comer’ in the construction industry, she said the unique perspectives, experience and insight women offer help to enrich decision making and problem-solving processes.
“The balance of men and women working on First Building creates an equilibrium in management which I feel brings a diverse range of perspective to the site,” she said.
Working on the First Building project gives Abraham the opportunity to learn about the many different things that go into delivering a world-class facility.
“I love going on site each week, seeing the project evolve and the discussions in meetings come to life,” she said.
Trailblazer keeps site safe
The legacy of helping to shape Australia’s newest city in 100 was too good an opportunity not to pursue said Gina Field, whose security business is keeping Bradfield City Centre secure.
“The decision to engage my company to keep Bradfield City Centre safe allowed me to grow my business and employ more Western Sydney locals,” she said.
Starting out in the security industry 35 years ago, Field said there was no such thing as ‘invest in women’ but for her, women are a core reason her company is where it is today.
“Being a woman in security is continuing to break down the barriers. I employ on skillset and what a person or people can bring to my business,” said Field, one of the first women in NSW to solely own a female-only run security company.
“I see value in the women within my business who deliver deeper understanding, customer service, creative problem-solving, role modelling, and inspiration.”
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
